Skip to main content

Nestled amidst the quintessential Shropshire countryside, tucked away down a quiet country lane is a small historic hamlet of substantial period properties.  Here, the 18th century manor house sits in a secluded spot surrounded by rolling fields.   Extensively renovated by the previous owners, the property boasts multiple outbuildings including separate guest accommodation.

The current owners purchased the manor house in 2021 and set about expanding the renovation, adding a gymnasium and converting a two-storey barn into a lively entertainment space.  Winthill Engineering was appointed to supply the party barn’s central feature: a bespoke steel staircase complete with timber treads and a separate balustrade.

The brief was to honour the Georgian heritage of the barn, complement the sleek, minimalist interior design and, as this was to be a sociable space for all the family, provide a robust and safe solution for peace of mind.

617

Designing a modern steel staircase for a heritage property

Such a multi-purpose space requires good flow and easy access.  To achieve this, Winthill changed the orientation of the staircase to run along the exterior wall.  The team also designed in hidden supports and a shadow gap to create the appearance of a floating staircase, elevating it beyond a simple, practical addition.

The staircase design uses clean lines and a limited palette – stainless steel with a Jet Black (RAL 9005) powder coated finish complemented by Iroko timber treads, oiled for protection.  Iroko is an African hardwood widely known as African Teak due to its similar natural durability and rich colour.  It is the perfect material for stair treads.  This simplicity echoes the barn interior which uses natural materials, tones and textures to great effect.

Commenting on the experience of working with Winthill Engineering, the homeowner said:

From our initial, friendly chat, they provided insightful guidance every step of the way – helping us decide what would look and work best in the space, while advising on what was required from other trades.

620

Effortless elegance through hidden engineering

To celebrate this simplicity, Winthill designed the staircase with hidden supports and a flush finish at the base of the stringer.

The support bracket is fixed to timber battens and hidden inside the wall cavity leaving the connector plate exposed.  This not only creates a more visually appealing, robust staircase but also ensures a precise and smooth installation as the staircase is fabricated to fit these fixings.

At the base, two heavy duty supports were concreted and bolted into the sub-floor with the brackets sitting 100mm proud of the finished floor level.  Once again, the base plate and fixings are concealed within the fabric of the building, beneath the herringbone brick floor.  The staircase appears to rise effortlessly from the ground, offering an uninterrupted transition between the old and new.

This design required foresight, coordination with the builder and structural precision.  Good communication was key.  Winthill Engineering liaised with the client and appointed builder to ensure an efficient schedule of works which allowed the team to seamlessly integrate the staircase and balustrade and avoid costly misunderstandings and disruption.

631

Tom and his team were excellent to work with.  They did a great job – creating a centrepiece of functional art and a real talking point for our building.  We are really happy; the staircase looks and feels fabulous.

Private Homeowner, Barn Conversion Project in Shropshire

Installing a steel staircase into an old building

Older buildings often present unique challenges especially when it comes to installing new structural elements, such as a staircase.  The greatest challenge for Winthill was matching the levels of this 18th century barn to achieve a uniform riser height between the ground and upper floor.  This required precision engineering using laser cutting technology.

The client also requested that the staircase allow for an old overhanging floor joist to remain.  Once again, using skill, accuracy and laser cutting, the staircase was fabricated to follow the line of the joist and is angled to sit only millimetres away from the historic timber. This is just one example of how a bespoke modern staircase can be made to harmonise with an old building to celebrate and enhance unique details.

624

Galleried mezzanine with steel balustrade

The feature staircase leads to the upper floor, where a section of floor was cut away to create an expansive, double height void above the fireplace and seating area.  Here, Winthill added a steel balustrade to create a galleried mezzanine.  The dark powder coated finish adds drama to this practical addition.

Bespoke metawork across the West Midlands

While this 18th century barn conversion was based in the rolling Shropshire countryside, Winthill Engineering provides bespoke architectural metalwork, custom steel staircases and fabrication services across Worcestershire, the West Midlands, the Cotswolds, and nationwide.

Planning a premium home renovation or barn conversion?  Contact Winthill Engineering today to discuss your requirements…

626
  • Bespoke steel and timber staircase installed along the exterior wall of an 18th-century Georgian barn conversion in Shropshire
  • Close up of steel stringer and rails, plus timber treads of a bespoke staircase designed by Winthill Engineering for a barn conversion in Shropshire
  • Bespoke steel and timber floating staircase and powder coated steel balustrade above mezzanine balcony installed inside an 18th-century Georgian barn conversion in Shropshire
  • Close-up of a modern steel staircase featuring timber treads and hidden supports for a minimalist, floating appearance with elegant shadow gap
  • Bespoke steel balustrade by Winthill Engineering for West Midlands barn conversion
  • Custom steel and timber floating staircase installed along the exterior wall of an 18th-century Georgian barn conversion in West Midlands
  • Close up of curved steel balustrade of a bespoke steel and timber staircase by Winthill Engineering for an 18th century barn conversion in Shropshire
  • Custom steel balustrade and staircase designed by Winthill Engineering for a luxury party barn renovation in Shropshire
  • A bespoke steel and timber staircase has been installed by Winthill Engineering inside this 18th century barn conversion in Shropshire, West Midlands
  • Close-up of a modern steel staircase featuring timber treads and hidden supports for a flush finish at the base of the stringer
  • Close-up of a modern steel staircase featuring timber treads designed by Winthill Engineering for 18th century barn conversion in Shropshire
  • Custom steel balustrade designed by Winthill Engineering for unique party barn in Shropshire
  • Close up of the underside of a steel and timber staircase designed by Winthill Engineering, with precision detailing around original features

Contact Us

Let's start your next project

Book your Consultation

Proud to have worked with